This month’s Business Monthly highlights something at the core of ABI’s mission: leadership. Our “10 Leaders to Know” offers a glimpse into the people who are shaping Iowa’s business landscape—not just through the success of their companies, but through their commitment to excellence, community, and service.
These profiles remind us that leadership looks different for everyone. Some lead by building world-class teams. Others lead by taking risks, embracing new ideas, or investing in their communities. And many lead quietly, through mentorship, encouragement, and the steady work that strengthens organizations over time.
What they all share is a belief in the future of Iowa — and a willingness to help build it.
At ABI, we see the power of leadership every day. It’s present in our member companies, in the volunteers who drive our Foundation programs, and in the voices that engage in advocacy to make Iowa a competitive place to do business. Strong leadership is what moves our state forward, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization where so many step up. I encourage you to take time with this month’s issue and learn more about these outstanding individuals. Their stories may spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, or inspire you to reflect on your own leadership journey. Thank you for all you do to support your organizations, your employees, and our state. Iowa’s business community is strong because of leaders like you. – Kellan Longenecker ABI Chair, General Mills
Melissa Baker
Assistant Dean, Student Experience
Tippie College of Business, The University of Iowa
BIRTH CITY: Creston
CURRENT CITY: Cedar Rapids
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: That’s a big question. I would say I’ll give credit to growing up in a small town, rural Iowa surrounded by incredibly supportive family and friends that continue to be my foundation even though I moved away when I went to college. My dad was a farmer and my sister and I were shown the value of hard work from a very early age. My family valued higher education and expected me to go to college. I continued to find that strong community at the University of Iowa as a student and now as an employee. I have also been blessed with amazing teachers from Mrs. Levine in first grade to Dr. Jodi Linley, my grad school advisor.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I often look to current students and recent alumni. Asking questions and getting new perspectives from these individuals help me to remember where the students are coming from and then I can hopefully help meet them where they are. It’s so easy to make assumptions and asking questions is the best place to start.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Effective leaders are incredible listeners, tireless advocates for the people they work with, and they pitch in wherever needed, no matter what the task at hand.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: RAGBRAI. It’s where I met my husband 20+ years ago and continues to be an incredible event that showcases the beautiful people and places of Iowa.
Q: Why are you a member of ABI? A: It’s the great connector I was looking for. I learned so much through Leadership Iowa (#LI43) last year and was reminded just how much we have to offer here in Iowa. Personally, I want to try to find ways to help reduce brain drain by keeping our young people here (or attracting new ones) after graduation from college and I think this might actually be part of ABI’s unspoken mission.
Jill Bidwell
HR Director,
Americas Emerson
BIRTH CITY: Pella
CURRENT CITY: Marshalltown
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: I got to where I am today with the help of a great network of people! Former teachers, coaches, friends, family and past bosses and co-workers all shared knowledge and advice to help me grow my career. I found my current role at Emerson because a former colleague from a prior company who currently works at Emerson reached out to me and asked, “Are you interested?”
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: My network inspires me, not just my connections on LinkedIn, but also my book club and church groups and understanding what my teenage son is watching on YouTube or following on Instagram. Teenagers are some of the most creative people I know!
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Effective leadership to me means that other people follow you not because they have to, but because they want to. Effective leadership is contagious because people want to be part of something great that matters to them, and they trust the leadership to do the right thing to make this possible.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: I have the opportunity to travel frequently for work. I think Iowa is one of the best kept secrets in the world because we often forget how great we have it compared to other places. Our commutes are not impacted by traffic, our air is fresh, our crime is low, our food scene is amazing, our schools are the heart of community, and our housing is really affordable compared to other locations. I am not saying we don’t have issues in Iowa, but we are low drama compared to other states. When we are not battling traffic or worried about leaving items in our car because it may get stolen, we can focus on other things that matter more, which is essentially the point of the phrase, “Quality of Life.”
Ami Burns
Talent Relationship Program Manager
Vermeer Corporation
BIRTH CITY: Pella
CURRENT CITY: Monroe
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: Saying yes to opportunities even when I was unsure and asking lots of questions.
Q: What excites you the most about the business you work in? A: Manufacturing has a place for almost everyone, and I love connecting people to the many opportunities at Vermeer. Q: What do you see as the next big trend in your industry? A: Most will say AI which is true. I think keeping a caring culture and ensuring people feel valued is a trend I hope to see.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I get new ideas from collaborating with my team and learning from podcasts and books.
Q: Why are you a member of ABI? A: I appreciate the connections ABI has around the state. Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: The seasons.
Q: As a business leader, what book would you recommend for personal or professional growth? A: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Tom Cavanagh
Vice President BCC Advisers
BIRTH CITY: Des Moines
CURRENT CITY: Des Moines
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: I’ve gotten here by staying curious about how businesses work, saying yes to opportunities that stretched me, and learning from smart, generous mentors. I didn’t go to UNI with the intention of pursuing a career in investment banking, but when the opportunity came up to explore it further, I took a chance on something different, and BCC certainly took the same chance on me. It has worked at well (at least for me), as I have now been with BCC for nearly two decades.
Q: What excites you the most about the business you work in? A: I’m most energized by work that brings together business, people and real turning points in an owner’s life. On the surface, M&A is about valuation, deal structure and negotiations. Underneath, it’s about owners who have invested years into their companies and are starting to think about what comes next. I enjoy learning how different businesses operate, what makes them successful, and helping owners understand their options in a clear, practical way. Every situation is a little different, which keeps the work interesting.
Q: What do you see as the next big trend in your industry? A: One of the biggest forces shaping our industry is the wave of baby boomer business owners moving toward retirement. Many of these companies were built over decades and represent a large share of privately held businesses in Iowa and the Midwest. A lot of owners are so focused on running the business day to day that succession, value and legacy planning get pushed off. As more owners look to step back, we’ll see increased activity across the board, including sales to strategic and financial buyers, family transitions, management buyouts and ESOPs. That creates both opportunity and complexity. The businesses that invest early in financial reporting, leadership development and clear transition plans will be in the best position. I think the role of advisors will increasingly be to help owners start those conversations sooner, understand their options, and align a potential transaction with their personal, family and community goals.
Q: As a business leader, what book would you recommend for personal or professional growth? A: I often recommend Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin as I appreciate how it addresses accountability, communication and leading by example. My three young boys also enjoy Jocko’s Way of the Warrior Kid series which shares similar messages related to accountability and taking control of your own outcomes but with better pictures.
Tom Cox
General Manager – SSAB Iowa SSAB
BIRTH CITY: Iowa City
CURRENT CITY: Bettendorf
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: I’ve been in the steel industry since graduating from Iowa State University in 1999 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. I started in the technical metallurgy side of the business before moving into plant operations in 2010. Since then, I’ve continued to progress through the operations side to my current position of General Manager of the SSAB Iowa steel mill, a role I’ve been in for five years.
Q: What do you see as the next big trend in your industry? A: Steel production is a raw material and energy intensive process, and as such is a large generator of emissions. The industry as a whole recognizes this and is taking steps to make significant improvements, and I’m proud to work for a company that is at the forefront of that effort.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I look to all our team members for inspiration and ideas on what the next innovation will be. There is no better source of ideas than those that have their hands on the process every day.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Being an effective leader means inspiring trust, developing clarity around objectives, finding what motivates your team to achieve those objectives (which isn’t always the same thing for everyone), and continually evaluating your team to see what is needed for them to reach their full potential.
Q: Why are you a member of ABI? A: I just recently joined the ABI Board of Directors and already appreciate the networking aspect. Hearing other members discuss what they are working on, or what they are struggling with, from around the state is very valuable. ABI and its members truly want all of us and the state of Iowa to be successful
Dick Davidson
ABI Foundation Board Chair
BIRTH CITY: Ames
CURRENT CITY: Pella
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I find new ideas from many sources. Books, current events, colleagues, failures, other business leaders, mentors and especially dreaming about what could be.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Good leadership is based on a foundation of humility, caring, integrity and courage. It involves developing a vision and laying out a pathway that enables people to accomplish worthy things greater than they imagined possible. Wayfinding is a major part of leadership. The way is often not clear. If you lead down the path that is obvious to everyone, that is not really leading. Sometimes the right path is not smooth and has scary things on it. Inspiring people to trust and follow down that path is leadership. Leadership is not about the individual, but the cause, mission and enterprise. If those things don’t come first, no one will follow.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: There are so many things to love about Iowa, but for me it always comes down to the people who live here. Iowans tend to be honest, kind, hard-working people who care about others. That is not the norm everywhere.
Q: What piece of advice would you give your younger self? A: Trust your gut. It took me many years to fully trust my gut and I wish I had learned that much earlier in my life. Q: Why are you a member of ABI? A: Because ABI is truly the voice of Iowa business and the most effective organization representing and advocating for Iowa business.
Connor Harrington
CEO Kuder
BIRTH CITY: Des Moines
CURRENT CITY: Clive
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: I transitioned into the CEO role at Kuder in November 2023 after working with my father who founded and held the role for 25 years. Prior to joining Kuder, I progressed through several roles at a fast-growing education technology company in Minneapolis. My wife, Sam, was a key driver in the decision to move back to Iowa and join the family business and has been a key supporter for me along the way. The combination of witnessing my father navigate the responsibilities of business ownership paired with the experience working for an exciting growth-oriented technology company, gave me a positive foundation to lead Kuder. I was lucky to have many great mentors and people looking out for me along the way. As I reflect, many of the key opportunities in my life came from someone’s willingness to spend time with me and share their insights.
Q: What excites you the most about the business you work in? A: We are one of the very few privately held companies in the career development technology space. This private status allows us to pursue a longer-term vision than most other companies. It can be challenging but it’s incredibly rewarding to grow our business solely because of happy clients that value our partnership. Our team loves the entrepreneurial spirit we offer coupled with the safety and security of a well-established organization. Our goal is to be the best partner to organizations looking to support youth and adults in their career journey. What makes our model unique is the blend of career development expertise and scalable technology solutions. I’m excited to be a part of a mission that is intended to stand the test of time rather than look for fast, and shallow returns.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: Parking spots and whitetail deer. Joking aside, it’s the people. Iowa has great people that don’t take themselves too seriously but have incredible work ethic. My wife and I are excited and thankful to be raising our kids in a great community.
Q: Why are you a member of ABI? A: ABI was an organization that committed to spending time with us, heard what we were trying to accomplish, and provided meaningful connections and insights that benefited our business. I saw from Nicole and others, a level of sincerity around ensuring our success that felt unique. The people at ABI are incredibly hard-working and put Iowa businesses at the center of their work.
Jeremy Majeres
Plant Manager Conagra
BIRTH CITY: Le Mars
CURRENT CITY: Council Bluffs
Q: What do you see as the next big trend in your industry? A: I see the next big trend in food manufacturing being the integration of advanced automation and data analytics to improve efficiency and ensure consistent quality. Alongside that, sustainability — reducing waste, optimizing energy use, and sourcing responsibly — will continue to drive innovation. Consumers are demanding transparency and healthier options, so adapting quickly to these expectations will be key
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I look for inspiration by staying connected with industry trends and best practices through trade publications, food safety forums, and professional networks. I also draw ideas from collaborating with my team on the plant floor — often the best innovations come from those closest to the process. Additionally, benchmarking against other facilities and exploring new technologies helps spark creative solutions.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: To me, effective leadership means setting a clear vision, empowering the team, and leading by example. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best. Strong leadership also requires accountability, open communication, and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges while keeping the team aligned and focused on shared goals.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa? A: The Hawkeyes, of course!
Q: What piece of advice would you give your younger self? A: I would tell my younger self to focus on building strong relationships and listening more. Success in this industry isn’t just about technical skills — it’s about leading people, adapting to change, and staying curious. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and never underestimate the value of clear communication and teamwork.
Kris Martins
Chief Operating Officer Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company
BIRTH CITY: Cedar Rapids
CURRENT CITY: Norwalk
Q: How did you get where you are today? A: I started my career in Cedar Rapids with Coca-Cola Enterprises in 1993 as an Accounting Clerk. Over the course of the next 32 years, I took every opportunity to learn the industry and The Coca-Cola Company. I was able to move up from Accounting Clerk, to Office Manager, to Finance Manager, all with the The Coca-Cola Company. When TCCC began to refranchise to independent bottlers in 2016, I took the opportunity to move to Atlantic Bottling Company and assist in the transition which quadrupled the size of Atlantic Bottling Company. This expansion covered the majority of the State of Iowa and into four other states. I started my career with Atlantic Bottling Company leading strategy and revenue growth management. After a few years, I had the opportunity to take on the CFO role. Although I did not have the traditional CFO education, I had built the knowledge of the Coca-Cola system to help profitability grow our business. The first step in my CFO role was to hire a very talented Controller to compliment my skills and manage financial reporting. After several years as CFO, I was asked to take on a Chief Operating Officer role with leadership over our 8MM case per year Production facility, IT, RGM, Supply Chain, logistics and facilities. I took every opportunity to learn, grow and change.
Q: What excites you the most about the business you work in? A: The beverage industry is ever changing with innovation of products, digital and technology advancements, and consumer trends. It is exciting to keep up with changes and anticipate what is needed to continue to grow our business. In the manufacturing area, the advancement of equipment has been amazing and allows us to be better prepared for future production needs with a high level of efficiency and accuracy. Most notably we have made strategic investments in warehouse automation and significant equipment upgrades within our production facility. These investments put us in a great position for future growth.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Leadership is the ability to lead a team to a common goal. I take pride in leading with strong communication, including setting expectations and developing accountabilities. Trust is critical and can be developed by encouraging open communication and feedback. Our industry requires strong leaders to communicate goals, manage change, develop employees, and drive growth.
Jodi Schweiger
Executive Director Business Development The Iowa Clinic
BIRTH CITY: Audubon
CURRENT CITY: Adel
Q: What excites you the most about the business you work in? A: What excites me most is the opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. Healthcare is deeply personal, and at The Iowa Clinic, we’re not just delivering services — we’re creating experiences that change outcomes and often change lives. Every time I hear a patient’s story about how our care helped catch something early, navigate a complex diagnosis, or simply feel seen and supported, it reminds me why this work matters. We’re in a business where purpose and impact intersect every single day. Whether it’s a patient who shares how our Executive Health program saved their life, or an employer who tells us their team is healthier and more engaged because of our partnership, those moments are incredibly meaningful. They’re a testament to what’s possible when you bring together clinical excellence, innovation, and a culture that truly puts people first.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas? A: I find inspiration by looking beyond healthcare and exploring industries that are excelling in areas like customer experience, operational efficiency, or technology adoption. Often, the most innovative ideas come from applying proven strategies from other sectors to healthcare in a way that improves outcomes and streamlines processes. I love solving complex problems, and for me, that means asking: Who’s doing this well elsewhere? And then figuring out how to adapt those learning to create a meaningful impact in our space.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you? A: Effective leadership is about delivering meaningful results while inspiring others to grow, adapt, and lead with heart. I believe in creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to bring their best selves to the work we do. Leadership is not just about direction — it’s about connection, collaboration, and cultivating trust.
Q: As a business leader, what book would you recommend for personal or professional growth? A: Dare to Lead by Brene’ Brown
